Audi takes part in the Dakar 2023 with the RS Q e-tron E2: a futuristic car which, beyond the oddities of the classification and unfortunate accidents, brings home a series of fundamental information for the development of the branded cars of the future with the four rings.
The special 'buggy' is a very high-tech prototype: powered by three electric motors powered by a biofuel power unit, it combines sensational performance with marked attention to the environment.
Emissions are 60% lower than the average, compared to an engine capable of making the car excel for a long time.
Although the results are not in line with expectations, as the director of Audi Sport himself, Rolf Michl admits, the steps forward are tangible.
"When experienced teams like those made up of Stéphane Peterhansel/Edouard Boulanger and Carlos Sainz/Lucas Cruz suffer such setbacks - underlines Sven Quandt, Team Director of Q Motorsport - the particular difficulty of this edition becomes evident. Day after day - he concludes - many positions have changed. Now we have to stay focused because we still have several difficult stages in the desert and a total of another 1,300 kilometers of stage ahead of us".
The RS Q e-tron E2 is decidedly improved compared to last year's car in terms of aerodynamics, mechanics and technology.
The result is a highly drivable car, with further room for improvement and above all a trailblazer in terms of efficiency and respect for the environment.
The power unit is unprecedented, made up of three electric motors and a thermal engine that generates energy thanks to the use of low environmental impact biofuels.
"These are absolutely new technologies - explains Michl - and optimized for this type of racing car. However in the future - he continues - it is highly probable that, with appropriate modifications, these solutions cannot be used for cars destined for the market".
Electrification has been at the heart of Audi's projects for years, while biofuels are part of the new course given to the entire Volkswagen group since Oliver Blume took over.
And the debut on a car with the four rings, albeit a racing one, suggests that large-scale production will take place in the years to come.
